Central Asia has a fascinating history; one can see everywhere the legacy of invasion and retreat, invasion and retreat. That's all Central Asian history is -- Chinese, Persians and Russians have ruled here. The people look Turkish and Mongol and Caucasian, some kissed with blue eyes, care of Alexander the Great genetic graffiti and other invaders. Since the independence in 1991 of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan economic reform has been painfully slow and poverty and unemployment are widespread. Especially the women are carrying the burden. Under Soviet rule they had more freedom then nowadays and they had a job! Since then a lot have changed for women, for example an increase of arranged marriages, the use of dowries and some women have covered themselves fully from head to foot. But also the women of Central-Asia are courageous. The economic and social crises have made them strong and inventive and many women have developed their own small business. In this way they can survive the hardship which life has brought to them, since the change in 1991. This gallery is an hommage to my friends in Central Asia, to give the women of Central Asia a face.